1001 Spikes

The frustrating lack of off-TV play aside, 1001 Spikes is a spirited, fun title that exemplifies the creative indie spirit that is permeating the eShop. With tons of unlockables, several distinct game modes and a charming presentation, 1001 Spikes is highly recommended. Just be sure to do some yoga and go to your zen place — you don't want to rage-quit your GamePad at the television after that 800th death.

While obviously not meant for a broad, easily discouraged audience, 1001 Spikes' elegantly devious level design and endless string of "oh, so close!" deaths help it succeed at what it sets out to do: deliver a nightmarish degree of challenge while remaining just fun and interesting enough to keep beleaguered players forging ahead. At times it becomes a mind-numbing slog, as you're reduced to performing the same rote set of actions for hours until you perfect the one jump or dodge that's holding you back. The reward is a sense of mastery, but the price can be awfully steep, making this a true t...

1001 Spikes joins a growing list of retro-themed games made for modern consoles. This PSN release (also available on every other system you own) will test your resolve through a series of increasingly sadistic stages. With deadly obstacles at every step, this is one game that never lets up. But fans of this type of punishment will enjoy the clever level designs and rage-inducing traps. Good luck.

1001 Spikes feels like a game that's been locked away for 25 years. Upon being removed from a time capsule filled with Tab and Reagan bumper stickers, it was dusted off and updated for a modern generation, but 1001 Spikes remains extremely true to the era that inspired it. It may make you curse, snap a controller in half and throw your handheld out a window, but that's all natural. That's just how things used to be. A glorious time, indeed.